June 2013

Kate Bingaman-Burt is probably feeling a strong breeze on her face these days—and it's likely from the whirlwind of deserved attention spinning 'round the release of her forthcoming book from Princeton Architectural Press, Obsessive Consumption: What Did You Buy Today?. Full of witty annotated illustrations documenting years of daily purchases, Kate comes forward not-so-guiltily revealing that yes, she too splurges on an occasional new dress. Through her drawings, and her long-running blog of the same name, Kate—without reprimand—asks us to think about how much we really consume and how many dollars we spend. While most of us would probably avoid long afternoons staring at our credit card debt, Kate takes on the challenge of first looking, then drawing, forcing herself to confront any buyers' remorse she might feel head-on.

Unsurprisingly, a few little publications have picked up on Kate's collection of consumables, and offered their own thoughts and inquiries on this delightful new book:

Untitled by Kate Bingaman-Burt

If you're a weekly reader of the New York Times and happened to pick up the annual T-style magazine on design this weekend, you would have seen the fuschia glow of an illustrated faux Eames Lounger illustrated by Kate. Andy Port writes, "Read from beginning to end, ‘‘Obsessive Consumption’’ reveals a happy (if somewhat guilty) grasshopper who likes a good bargain as much as she likes a good burrito. Bingaman-Burt engages in the same name-brand culture as the rest of us, but in her life, at least, it’s art."

Fast Company features a slideshow of illustrations from the book, starting off with a marigold drawing of her MBNA credit card statement. In the accompanying words by Alissa Walker, Kate is quoted as saying, "This credit card was opened while I was in graduate school,"... "I just recently paid off a computer that had been out of commission for about two years." Ouch. That is a statement not to be forgotten.

Over on the Herman Miller blog, Cerentha Harris ventures into Kate's workspace to learn more about how she decorates her office, the desk accessory she can't do without, and her creative inspirations.

CH: What or who inspires you?

KBB: Big permission-givers to me have been: David Byrne, Tibor Kalman, M. Sasek, Saul Steinburg, Ray and Charles Eames, Joseph Beuys, Walls of Sound (Galaxie 500, Deerhunter – music that fills up and overwhelms and how to translate that into artwork), Fluxus and Zine Culture to name a few. Also: yard sales, thrift stores, objects that look like a designer didn’t design them and teaching my rad students.

You can buy your own copy of Kate's book directly from her website, which comes signed and with a random daily drawing for a limited period of time. Stay tuned for more news to consume as the book hits the shelves, and make sure you're signed up for the 20x200 mailing list: there's more from Kate headed your way.

Ms. Bingaman-Burt notes "black chucks are bad workout shoes" in an illustration accompanying this morning's Daily Candy weekend guide, which highly recommends you go out and pick up a copy of Kate's new book, Obsessive Consumption: What Did You Buy Today?" Also the name of her long-running website, which documents her purchases of both the mundane and the occasional indulgence, Kate's book delights in its printed form. Or, as DC puts it, "Because buying it is delightfully meta." Signed copies are available if you order directly from Kate's website.

As if truly catching up with the industrious Kate Bingaman-Burt is really possible! Kate is always involved in multiple projects while planning and scheming her next wonderful art adventure. In fact, she is working on mixtape drawings that will be on view at Jen Bekman Gallery at the end of this month! The lovely lady is truly an inspiration.

Kate and Mike will talk about art, design, typography and books. Copies of the book will be available for purchase during the event. If you'd like to reserve a copy in advance, send an email to rsvp@jenbekman.com.

Welcome back from the weekend, everyone. Kate's opening was a great success and for those of you who could not make it, we missed you. The show runs until October 27 and the gallery is open from Wednesdays - Saturdays, noon to 6pm and you can come see us anytime during those times to get your dose of Obsessive Consumption. You can see photos of Kate in action as she installs and of the wondrous opening on her Flickr stream. Also, be sure to stay tuned to Kate's blog: What Did You Buy Today? if you do not already do so, as there are sure to be juicy updates and treats in the next while as she gets back into action.

In the July/August issue of Print Magazine there is a feature called The Obsessives which highlights the work of four artists dealing with the topic of consumption.

A week’s worth of time, money, and resources—gone in a flash! Or is it? We asked four artists known for their clever online record-keeping to show us exactly how they spent those precious 604,800 seconds.